Gastric cancer in the Korean-American: cultural implications

Although the overall incidence of gastric cancer in the United States is decreasing, Korean-Americans are increasingly at risk of developing this type of cancer. The epidemiology of gastric cancer in the Korean population is associated with environmental and genetic factors. Current treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A case study is presented of a Korean patient who elected to participate in an investigational research protocol at the University of Southern California/Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital. The paper also contains a discussion of transcultural nursing focusing on the background, values, and healthcare practices of Korean-Americans and the associated nursing implications.